Debate Events

Lincoln-Dou﻿glas You debate by yourself against a single opponent. The topic, which tends to be philosophical﻿ in nature (though it may also relate to current events), changes every two months.

Public Forum You debate with a partner against another two-person team. The topic, which almost always relates to current events, changes every month.

Speech EVents

Original OratoryYou write, memorize, and deliver a speech lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds on a topic of contemporary importance, blending information, entertainment, and persuasion, incorporating both personal anecdotes and ideas and research from reputable sources. The same speech or various revised versions of the speech may be presented at every tournament within the same year of competition.

Informative Speaking You write, memorize and deliver a speech lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds on a topic that is informative in nature. The general purpose of the speech is for the audience to gain understanding and/or knowledge of the topic. Any other purpose such as to entertain or to convince shall be secondary. The same speech or various revised versions of the speech may be presented at every tournament within the same year of competition.​

Interpretation Events

Declamation You must memorize and perform a selection from a famous speech. Your performance must last no longer than ten minutes and thirty seconds. This event is available at select tournaments and is usually reserved for underclassmen contestants.

Dramatic Interpretation You memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds. The selection, which must be dramatic in nature, can be used in every tournament all year.

Humorous InterpretationYou memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds. The selection, which must be humorous in nature, can be used in every tournament all year.

Duo InterpretationWith a partner, you memorize and perform a published selection (from a play, short story, or novel) lasting no longer than ten minutes and thirty seconds. The selection, which may be dramatic and/or humorous in nature, can be used in every tournament all year.

Oral Interpretation of Poetry / ProseThis event, which features alternating rounds of poetry and prose, does not require memorization, as the use of a script is required. Indeed, the entire performance is based upon characterization in the voice and in facial expressions only. The selected pieces for each round must last in performance no more than ten minutes and thirty seconds and may be used in every tournament all year.

Program of Oral Interpretation "POI is a program of oral interpretation of thematically-linked selections chosen from two or three genres: prose, poetry, drama (plays). A primary focus of this event should be on the development of the theme or argument through the use of narrative, story, language, and/or characterization. Competitors are encouraged to devote approximately equal times to each of the genres used in the program. At least two pieces of literature that represent at least two separate genres must be used. The use of a manuscript is required. Time Limit: 10 minutes max with a 30 second grace period. Sources must meet all Association Interp rules for publication" (NSDA) .

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